If a tree in Pomona, CA is within 10 feet of an overhead power line, call Southern California Edison at 1-800-611-1911 before anyone touches it. SCE maintains clearance around its distribution and transmission lines using qualified line-clearance crews. Do not climb, prune or cut near the line yourself, and do not let an untrained crew do it. Once SCE has cleared the line, a tree service can handle the rest of the tree.
Why the 10-foot rule matters
Electricity can arc from a line to a nearby branch, a tool or a person without direct contact. Trees conduct electricity, especially when wet. Only workers trained and qualified for line clearance should work within 10 feet of an energized line. That is why SCE handles that part of the job.
What SCE does
- Inspects and trims trees near its overhead lines to maintain safe clearance.
- Responds to trees or limbs on lines.
- Can make the area safe so other work can proceed, sometimes by temporarily de-energizing a line.
Contact SCE to request a tree check near lines.
The service drop
The service drop is the line that runs from the pole to your house. SCE treats it differently from its main lines. If a tree is rubbing or pressing on your service drop, call SCE. It can explain options, such as temporarily disconnecting the drop so a tree can be pruned or removed safely.
What a tree service can do
After SCE clears the area near the line, we can:
- Prune the rest of the canopy.
- Remove the tree in sections if it should come out.
- Grind the stump.
- Plan replacement with a lower-growing species.
See tree trimming and tree removal.
Palms and lines
Tall Mexican fan palms often grow up into lines. Fronds can touch wires in wind. Call SCE for any frond within 10 feet of a line. See palm trimming.
Storms and downed lines
After wind or a storm, assume any downed line is live. Stay far away, keep others away and call SCE or 911. Do not try to move a limb off a line. Our storm damage service can help once the lines are safe.
Choosing trees for under lines
If you are replanting under or near a line, choose species that stay small at maturity, such as Western redbud, crape myrtle or a small multi-trunk native. Tall-growing trees under lines end up being pruned into awkward shapes.
Summary
- Within 10 feet of a line, call SCE first: 1-800-611-1911.
- The service drop to your house is a separate issue. Call SCE.
- After SCE clears the line, a tree service can do the rest.
- Never touch a downed line.
Call (909) 479-2666 for work on trees once the lines are clear.
Signs a tree is too close to a line
- Branches touching or resting on a line, or swaying into it in wind.
- Leaves scorched or dead where they touch a wire.
- Sparks, buzzing or flickering lights during wind.
- A palm whose fronds sweep through the lines.
- Vines climbing a pole or guy wire.
If you see any of these, call SCE. Do not try to pull branches away from the line.
Why topping under lines fails
Some trees under lines have been cut flat across the top again and again. That leaves weak sprouts that grow back quickly toward the wires. Directional pruning, which removes limbs growing toward the line back to a side branch growing away, works better. Line-clearance crews use that approach. For trees too tall for the spot, removal and replanting with a smaller species is the long-term fix.
Planning work around SCE
SCE's schedule sets the timing for the part of the job near the line. Once SCE has done its clearance, tell us the date, and we will plan the rest of the work.
Related: palm tree care and the after-windstorm checklist.
Common questions
Will SCE trim the tree near my power line?
SCE maintains clearance around its overhead distribution and transmission lines, so call 1-800-611-1911 to request a check on a tree near a line. SCE uses qualified line-clearance crews. Once the line is clear, you can hire a tree service for the rest of the tree, such as shaping or removal.
What about the line from the pole to my house?
That is the service drop, and SCE handles it differently from the main lines. If a tree is rubbing or pressing on it, call SCE. It can explain options, including temporarily disconnecting the drop so a tree service can prune or remove the tree safely.